Capital District Families Can Now Sign Up for Expanded Children's Health Insurance Program

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 21, 2008) – As a result of legislation included in Governor David A. Paterson's Executive Budget and adopted by the State Legislature, an estimated 8,600 uninsured children in the Capital District are now eligible to become enrolled in New York's expanded Child Health Plus health insurance program.

Effective September 1st, family income eligibility for Child Health Plus expands from 250 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level, an increase from about $44,000 annual income for a family of three to $70,000 for a family of three. The State Health Department and its facilitated enrollers are currently processing applications for the expanded program in preparation for the September 1st start-up date.

On Saturday, August 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Price Chopper supermarkets is partnering with the State Health Department to conduct Enrollment Drives at the locations listed below, during which professionals will be on hand to help parents apply for health insurance and to answer questions regarding both the state's Child Health Plus and Medicaid programs.

Westgate Price Chopper, 911 Central Ave., Albany

Delaware Price Chopper, 40 Delaware Ave., Albany

Madison Avenue Price Chopper, 1060 Madison Ave., Albany

Hudson Valley Plaza Price Chopper, 79 Vandenburgh Place, Troy

North Troy Price Chopper, 865 Second Ave., Troy

Children's Medicaid is a free health insurance program for low-income, uninsured children. Child Health Plus is free or low-cost health insurance for uninsured children in families who don't qualify for Medicaid because of family income. Parents whose children don't qualify for free coverage pay a monthly premium ranging from $9 to $40 per child per month, depending on income.